NBA FanHouse

Darius Miles Could Really Screw the Blazers

Matt Watson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Trail Blazers, Suns, Eastern, Western, NBA Injuries, NBA Rumors, Boston, Phoenix

Darius Miles hasn't appeared in an NBA game since 2006, and in April it was determined by a doctor appointed by both the NBA and the Players Association that his injured knees were so messed up that he'd likely never play again.

Though the Blazers (or more likely, their insurance company) still have to pay the man, that doom and gloom prognosis allowed the team to shave the remaining $18 million he's due over the next two years off the salary cap. But there's a catch: in order for the Blazers to stay in the clear, Miles can't return to the NBA -- or more specifically, he can't appear in at least 10 games over the next two years.

Trouble is, that's exactly what he's trying to do. The Boston Globe says he had "an impressive workout" with the Celtics, and the East Valley Tribune reports (via Shoals) the Suns have also inquired about his services. If he can convince some team out there to take a chance on him and he sees even spot duty this year, he could end up sabotaging Portland's master plan.

What are the chances he actually has any game left? If you remember, Miles proclaimed himself "90% healthy" last December when he was cleared to resume conditioning drills with his teammates, and it wasn't until problems with his Achilles tendon surfaced that he was officially ruled out last year.

In hindsight, it's possible the Achilles thing was just a minor speed bump, the natural by-product of resuming NBA workouts (and dropping 30 pounds) after two years of relative inactivity. And if that's the case, it's probably just a matter of who Miles ends up with, not if someone will take a shot.

Yes, there are some character issues (he'd have to sit out the first 10 games of the season for violating the league's drug policy), and even though it seems like he's been in the league forever, he's still just 26 years old. Stranger things have happened than a former lottery pick getting a second chance. He'll never be the same player he once was, but if all he costs is the veteran's minimum, it wouldn't cost much to see just how close to being that player he can get.

And if that happens, then things just got a lot more complicated for the Blazers.

Darius Miles Could Really Screw the Blazers originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaquille O'Neal Makes "Taste My A**" Popular with America's Youth

Will Brinson — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, NBA Fans, NBA Media Watch, NBA Videos, Phoenix

The upside of Shaq's ridiculous rap-job towards Kobe Bryant is that, well, it was funny. And we got to get all abuzz about it for a week or so. But the newest YouTube news (if you can call it that), should bring out the parental anger from generic America. Because, as you will see below, won't someone think of the children!!!

This clip, honestly, is kind of disturbing. I know that the Shaq rap was not intended as serious (I don't think it was anyway) and I realize that many, many more vehicles of the musical medium are far more offensive and dangerous to children. But do we really want to deal with the new outbreak of children in school and home telling their teachers and parents to taste their a$$es? I say no. (Although, admittedly, there certainly is a time and place to use the phrase.)

Shaquille O'Neal Makes "Taste My A**" Popular with America's Youth originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lopez Twins Off the Board, Ready to Party

Tom Ziller — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:02:00 EST

Filed under: Nets, Suns, NBA Draft, New York, Phoenix

Brook Lopez went #10 to New Jersey, and brother Robin Lopez landed in Phoenix at #15. Two Disney Channel lovin' 20-year-old twins, promised NBA millions. Watch out New York City.

Lopez Twins Off the Board, Ready to Party originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Draft: What Future Players Need to Know

Elie Seckbach — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Magic, Wizards, Lakers, Suns, NBA Draft, NBA Videos, Jazz, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Washington, DC, The Word, FanHouse TV

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video we ask Stanford star Brook Lopez about the NBA Draft. We also find out from Shaquille O'Neal, the number one pick of the 1992 draft, about his law enforcement career and his efforts to catch online predators. Also find out from Gilbert Arenas, a late second draft pick in 2001, what he would be doing if he was not an NBA All-Star. Around 1:45 into the video hear what Ira Newble, a long time NBA veteran, has to say about making to the NBA without being drafted.

AOL Video link. Youtube link.

NBA Draft: What Future Players Need to Know originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is T.J. Ford the Heir of Nash?

Tom Ziller — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Raptors, Suns, NBA Draft, NBA Rumors, Phoenix, Toronto

Rumors are a dime twelve dozen this time of year, but the Arizona Republic has published this morning a dazzling little slice of speculation: the Suns have considered sending Boris Diaw to Toronto in exchange for T.J. Ford and the #17 pick.

Diaw and Leandro Barbosa are the Suns on the block, and talk out of Steve Kerr's breath has indicated Phoenix wants another first-rounder or a higher pick than their current 15th selection. Most rumors to date have Barbosa being given away -- a problematic endeavor considering Leandrinho's the closest thing to a back-up point the Suns have got. And, as we've repeated in each of the past five summers: Steve Nash isn't getting any younger.

That's what makes the rumored Ford deal so entrancing: T.J. won't bristle behind Nash the way he did backing up Jose Calderon, and he's so young (25) that he's a budding heir who can learn from (one of) the best. Meanwhile, Diaw could be a major upgrade from the Jamario Moon-Jason Kapono-Joey Graham gauntlet which manned the small forward slot last season.

Armed with #15, #17 and Barbosa, Phoenix would still be well-poised to slide up into the top 10. New York needs bodies galore -- wouldn't the #6 pick for a Sixth Man of the Year and two solid mid-first choices do wonders?

Is T.J. Ford the Heir of Nash? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Once Upon a Time, Referees Defended Their Calls With Their Fists

Matt Watson — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Suns, NBA Videos, Boston, Phoenix, NBA Referees

As my colleague Brett Edwards pointed out, Steve Javie is so notorious for making calls against the home team that he gets booed during pregame introductions. But as bad as that gets, he should just be thank he's not officiating 30 years ago ... That's a clip of the 1975 NBA Finals above, and at the 48-second mark referee Richie Powers actually begins brawling with a fan at center court who was apparently angry that Powers (correctly) ruled that time had not expired. Can you imagine if that happened now? It'd lead SportsCenter for a week, and yet back then announcers Rick Barry and Brent Musburger talk about it for barely a minute before getting back to the game.

Also worth pointing out: in the final seconds of regulation, Powers blatantly ignored Boston's Paul Silas' request for a timeout, ostensibly because he knew the Celtics were out of timeouts. Had he granted Silas' request, the Suns would have had a chance to avoid overtime by hitting a technical foul free throw. Needless to say, the Suns were incensed. Don't gloss over the good ol' days: really bad officiating has existed for a long, long time.

Big tip of the hat to Neil Best for pointing this one out.

Once Upon a Time, Referees Defended Their Calls With Their Fists originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's Hiring Season for NBA Assistants

Matt Watson — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Bulls, Pistons, Suns, Chicago, Detroit, Phoenix

t's funny how NBA coaching jobs fill up in waves -- within a matter of days Terry Porter, Vinny Del Negro and Michael Curry were all hired by the Suns, Bulls and Pistons, respectively. Only Porter has previous head coaching experience (and only two years at that), which means there will likely be a run on veteran assistant coaches for these guys to lean on.

According to Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic, Porter is open to Steve Kerr's suggestion to bring former Hornets and Cavs head coach Paul Silas on board as his lead assistant. Alvin Gentry, who served under Mike D'Antoni, may be retained, and Dan Majerle is also a candidate for a spot on his staff.

Considering how long it took the Bulls to settle on Del Negro, you have to wonder if they'll be able to put together a staff of assistants before the season starts. K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune indicates that Bob Hill, who's been a head coach of the Knicks, Pacers, Spurs and Sonics, is being considered as the lead assistant. John Paxson is also on the record saying that he anticipates hiring one of the myriad of head coaching candidates to join Del Negro's staff. Considering Del Negro has never coached before at any level, the Bulls will probably want to surround him with an extremely experienced staff.

As for Curry, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com indicates that Dave Cowens, who served alongside Curry under Flip Saunders, will be retained. Cowens has previously coached the Hornets and Warriors (as well as the Celtics, if you include his player/coach days from 1978-79), but it's unclear if he's being considered for the lead role. Langlois added that Igor Kokoskov may follow Porter to Phoenix, but Chris McCosky of the Detroit News says that Kokoskov will also pursue head coaching opportunties in Europe.

It's Hiring Season for NBA Assistants originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Phoenix Will Hire Terry Porter

Matt Watson — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Pistons, Suns, Eastern, Western, NBA Rumors, Detroit, Phoenix

According to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, multiple sources have confirmed that Suns GM Steve Kerr called Pistons assistant Terry Porter this morning to offer him the Suns' vacant head coaching job, which Porter accepted. A. Sherrod Blakely, who covers the Pistons for Booth Newspapers, doesn't think the offer has arrived just yet, but expects it will soon:

Terry Porter may very well wind up coaching the Phoenix Suns. But a source who has had discussions with Porter today, said the Pistons assistant had yet to receive an offer from the Suns as of 3:40 EST.

When an offer comes - and there's a very good chance that it will come sometime later today - Porter is expected to accept it immediately with a press conference likely scheduled for Tuesday.

Whatever the case may be, it certainly seems like Porter will be heading west. Porter has always been one of the leading candidates for the job. If you recall, Kerr flew into Michigan to interview Porter while the Pistons were awaiting the winner of the Boston/Cleveland series, and Porter was among the select handful of candidates to interview a second time last week.

Porter has two years of experience under his belt, guiding the Bucks to the playoffs with a 41-41 record in 2003-04 before injuries caught up with his squad and the Bucks stumbled to a 30-52 mark in 2004-05. The Bucks opted not to let Porter coach the final year of their contract in hopes of hiring Flip Saunders or Nate McMillan, though they ultimately missed on both. The last two years, Porter has served as an assistant with the Pistons.

Report: Phoenix Will Hire Terry Porter originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No One's Tried Talking to Tom Thibodeau

Matt Watson — Mon, 26 May 2008 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Bulls, Suns, NBA Rumors, Boston, Chicago, Phoenix

Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau has been credited for installing Boston's tenacious defense, so it's not a surprise at all to see his name linked to several vacant head coaching jobs. (If you remember, he was linked to the Celtics job before the season even began.) That said, it seems the rumor mill might be wrong on this one. From Mark Spears of the Boston Globe:

It seems more and more likely that Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau will be back in Boston next season. The Knicks, Mavericks, and Bobcats didn't ask for permission to speak to him before hiring their new coaches, and the Suns and Bulls have yet to ask for permission, as well.

It's possible everyone is waiting for Boston's playoff run to end, but that didn't stop the Suns from requesting (and receiving) permission to interview Terry Porter. Even if the Suns and Bulls think they'll be denied permission, at least going through the motions of checking sends the signal that they're interested. And considering the Bulls have interviewed just about everybody else, there's no reason not to call dibs on Thibodeau, as well.

No One's Tried Talking to Tom Thibodeau originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 26 May 2008 14:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeff Hornacek Is Getting Kind of Self-Promotional for the Suns Job

Will Brinson — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, Western, NBA Rumors, Phoenix

Jeff Hornacek just seems like he should be an NBA coach. And he also seems like he would be the ideal kind of candidate for Steve Kerr to hire. He would stress fundamentals and defense and probably require little to no meddling in the front office.

I guess that is why he is interviewing for the head coaching gig in Phoenix.

Hornacek will be interviewed this week by the Suns for a head- or assistant-coach job. He always figured to join the profession while growing up as a high school coach's son.

'Everything my dad said seemed to click,' Hornacek said. 'I've had those thoughts in my head since I was 5.'

Hornacek slowly has entered coaching, waiting for his kids to grow up before re-engaging in the NBA grind. Danny Ainge asked Hornacek to be among three candidates for the Boston Celtics' head-coaching job in 2004 but he passed because he had just moved to the Valley.

Hornacek is plugging himself for this gig too, pointing out that better coaching can get you 'two to four points per game' and that he and Kerr 'see the game the same way.'

Both of those are true, but they are still self-promotional. With good reason too -- a situation with a friendly GM, a slew of veteran leaders and a ready-made contender is a pretty good way to kick off a head coaching career.

If Hornacek lands the job though, and I would probably throw money on decent odds for him to get it, it will be interesting to see how his coaching style, having mentored/played under Jerry Sloan, fits in with a crew of veterans. And Kerr will get a guy that fits his style; the real question will be how much input Nash, Shaq and Amare have in the decision.

Jeff Hornacek Is Getting Kind of Self-Promotional for the Suns Job originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 21:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No, Seriously, Candace Parker Might Be Better Than 80% of the Knicks and Heat Combined

Matt Moore — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:53:00 EST

Filed under: Los Angeles, Phoenix, WNBA

I've made WNBA jokes.

You've made WNBA jokes.

But Candace Parker is no joke.

Anyone that plays through a dislocated shoulder is pretty hoss in my book, so I was kind of intrigued by what Parker would do on a professional scale, even if it is the WNBA.

Now I might actually have to follow a WNBA Players.

In her professional debut on Saturday, Parker scored 34 points on 12 of 19 shooting for the Los Angeles Sparks in a 99-94 win over the Phoenix Mercury . She also added, and try and follow along, folks, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and a block. That's Josh-Smith-like stat filling right there, only with more points. Did I mention she's still wearing a brace on her shoulder?

Of course the criticism is going to come. "But she did it against girls." However, let me pose this quandry for you. Who would you rather have on your squad? Stephon Marbury or Candace Parker? A group of players with little or no work ethic, unrealized potential, and an inability to fight through injuries, or a core of players that are dedicated to playing the game and play through injuries? Okay, you'd still probably rather watch Eddy Curry. But still, with so many NBA players that never live up to their potential and are often questioned about their work ethic, it's refreshing to see a star player in a league that prides itself on hard work that not only makes a commitment that matches her talent, but lives up to expectations. It's just one game, and it's not likely that there will be any swarm of interest flowing to the WNBA, but it definitely raises the profile of the struggling league.

It's startling to come to this realization, but I have to admit. If I'm flipping through the channels in the long dreary days of the offseason and stumble upon Parker, I'm going to be compelled to watch. And that's definitely a first. Maybe it's time to quit with the punchlines and actually take a look at the WNBA.

No, Seriously, Candace Parker Might Be Better Than 80% of the Knicks and Heat Combined originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 18 May 2008 13:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suns Examining Mustached Former Player, Bucks Fall Guy for Coach

Matt Moore — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:35:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, Western, Phoenix

So it has come to this. Two years removed from an appearance in the Western Conference Finals, the Suns are now examining Lakers and mustache/glass combo legend Kurt Rambis (first reported here and then by ESPN.com) and former Bucks coach and current Pistons assistant coach Terry Porter for their now vacant head coaching position.

Not Avery Johnson, not Rick Carlisle, not Larry Brown. Two assistant coaches who were replaced in their last head coaching jobs. This is the future of the Phoenix Suns. And this after trying so hard to "make an impact" with the trade for Shaquille O'Neal. My how the mighty have fallen.

Now, getting past the obvious lack of star power, these choices actually aren't that bad. They're pretty solid, actually. Rambis is well liked by players, and had some success in the strike-shortened 1999 season. Porter is the much more interesting choice, having coached a severely undermanned Bucks team to the playoffs, and having worked extensively in Detroit. There's been a lot of talk about the Suns trying to become more "Spus-like"(maybe without the elder power forward eliminating key players) with defense and poise. But taking a more "Pistons-like" approach may be the wiser option. Teaching consistent defense mixed with an efficient offense may be a winning combination if a coach like Porter can keep their egos in check.

Suns Examining Mustached Former Player, Bucks Fall Guy for Coach originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 16 May 2008 01:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is D'Antoni the New Favorite in New York?

Matt Watson — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Bulls, Suns, NBA Rumors, Chicago, New York, Phoenix

Donnie Walsh has a difficult choice to make: does he hire Mike D'Antoni, who has a high-profile and a proven track record, or does he roll the dice on Mark Jackson, who has zero head coaching experience but is a local legend? According to multiple reports out of New York, Walsh is still undecided, which is somewhat baffling to me.

I like D'Antoni a lot, but both his coaching style and personality would be a disaster in New York. Frank Isola of the New York Daily News spoke with an unnamed coach who agrees with me:

"He doesn't emphasize defense and he's non-confrontational," said a coach who has worked with D'Antoni. "In New York you've got to have someone who is confrontational and can stand up to these guys. Scott Skiles would have been that guy. And I think Jackson is that guy as well. Mike is an innovative offensive mind but to me he just doesn't fit in New York."

Not only that, but the Knicks simply don't have the personnel to run D'Antoni's system. Sure, they have some athletic spare parts here and there, but so long as Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry are on the floor, no one will ever confuse the Knicks with the Phoenix Suns.

And besides, D'Antoni already tried and failed to connect with Stephon Marbury, ultimately prompting the Suns to trade him to the Knicks back in 2003 -- and Marbury has only gotten crazier in the years since.

D'Antoni has to realize that going to New York is setting himself up for failure, but I can't blame him for giving it a go if Walsh comes through with the rumored offer of $30 million over five years that's been reported. He made a good impression when he interviewed with the Bulls earlier this week, but Chicago doesn't seem interested in getting into a bidding war, especially considering they're still paying Scott Skiles. (Granted, the Knicks are still paying Isiah Thomas and Larry Brown, but money has never been a deciding factor for anything for James Dolan.)

Is D'Antoni the New Favorite in New York? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 09 May 2008 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaquille O'Neal Moons the Camera

Matt Watson — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:30:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, Western, NBA Gossip, NBA Videos, Phoenix, The Word

Warning: The following may not be safe for work and/or watching before lunch.

Shocking, I know: Shaq is both silly and not shy. I don't know the context, but I'm not sure any is needed. Why am I not surprised that TheDirty.com got their hands on this? (via BallHype)

Previously on FanHouse:
Arizona State Cuts Cheerleading Squad. Is TheDirty.com Responsible?
Dan Majerle Pictured With Underaged Girl Drinking at His Restaurant
Matt Leinert, Alex Smith Pics at TheDirty.com: the Future of Sports Media?
TheDirty.com Finds Another NFL Picture: Terrell Owens at the Bang Bus?

Shaquille O'Neal Moons the Camera originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 09 May 2008 05:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Go, Canada: D'Antoni Denied Permission to Speak to Raptors

Matt Moore — Wed, 07 May 2008 01:14:00 EST

Filed under: Raptors, Suns, NBA Gossip, Phoenix, Toronto

In news that can either be described as an anti-collusion effort or simple petty bitterness, the Globe and Mail reports that when the Suns granted Mike D'Antoni permission to speak to other teams about their head coaching positions, they had one condition. He is not allowed to speak with the Toronto Raptors.

Now, if the two teams were division rivals, this would be pretty self-explanatory. If they were conference rivals, even, I could see the inherent value. But as they play in different conferences, there are really only two options. The first is that Suns owner Robert Sarver wanted to make sure D'Antoni's buddy and Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo didn't benefit if he was in any way involved in D'Antoni's decision to ride out of the desert. This is not beyond reason, considering the personal and professional relationship between the two. Likewise, it prevents D'Antoni from hooking back up with Colangelo and re-instituting the "run and gun" which the Suns have decided to abandon, and succeeding with it where the Suns failed, however unlikely that may be. Better to just nip the possibility in the bud than to risk further embarrassment and attention to how quickly the Suns disintegrated when Sarver hired Steve Kerr.

But there's a more likely reason, after the jump.

The more likely option, though, sadly, is good ol' fashioned, plain bitterness. It's no secret that Colangelo's departure from Phoenix wasn't under the best terms, and that Sarver and Colangelo never really got along. Colangelo is the Sun of longtime Suns owner Jerry Colangelo, and the team was long considered a family business. After Colangelo's departure to Toronto, it seems that this move has probably been made just to keep Colangelo from reuniting with D'Antoni in an effort to deny both parties an agreeable ending to this whole fiasco.

It's more than a little startling how fast things can erode in the NBA. Just two and a half years ago the Suns were the toast of the NBA, a title favorite, and the most exciting team in the NBA. They had young players with talent, the Hawks' draft pick as long as it wasn't lottery protected and a future that surely included titles. Now they feature a staggering amount of cap space devoured by aging players who were unable to overcome the Spurs, and their wunderkind GM is in Toronto figuring out how much he can get for TJ Ford. And the Suns are putting restrictions on the coach that got them to this point to limit his ability to join that GM. Funny how things work out.

No Go, Canada: D'Antoni Denied Permission to Speak to Raptors originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 07 May 2008 01:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suns Give Mike D'Antoni Permission to Speak to Bulls, Knicks

Matt Moore — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:24:00 EST

Filed under: Bulls, Suns, Chicago, New York, Phoenix

First he was out. Then Steve Kerr wanted him to stick around.

Now it looks like he's on his way out again.

According to a report by KTAR in Phoenix, the Suns have granted head coach Mike D'Antoni permission to speak to other teams about their vacant head coaching positions, including the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks.

And so the drama begins anew.

ESPN reported on Friday that Chicago was the most likely destination for D'Antoni if the lunch planned for that day between owner Robert Sarver, General Manager Kerr and D'Antoni did not yield an acceptable resolution. It would appear that it did not.

What this means for former MVP Steve Nash, former MVP Shaquille O'Neal, and MVP hopeful Amare Stoudemire will of course be of heavy debate this summer, particularly considering the offensive fireworks D'Antoni's system provided Nash and Stoudemire. Avery Johnson is allegedly a leading candidate for the Suns' gig if D'Antoni does move on.

Chicago is a tremendous choice for D'Antoni if he takes it, who can implement his run and gun style into a team of young, athletic players who already have solid defensive instincts in place. With Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas, and Andres Nocioni, he has a bevy of interior players that can get up and down the court, a serviceable point guard in Kirk Hinrich, scorers in Larry Hughes (well, kind of) and Ben Gordon (just go with me here), as well as a high draft pick, D'Antoni has the elements to build a winner from the wreckage.

The end of one era and the beginning of a new one in both Phoenix and ... somewhere else, yet to be decided.

I guess the phrase is ... "Don't let the depressingly unrealized potential hit you on the way out."

(HT: Bright Side of the Sun)

Suns Give Mike D'Antoni Permission to Speak to Bulls, Knicks originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 05 May 2008 01:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look at the Losers: Phoenix Suns

Will Brinson — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:15:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, Western, Phoenix

There's so much that's already been said. But just to recap: responding to the Western Conference Arms Race, the Suns gave up Shawn Marion and his potential cap-freeing opt-out for Shaquille O'Neal and his potential cap-killing $20 million contract next year. The hope (read: realigning of philosophical differences) from both Steve Kerr and Mike D'Antoni was that Shaq would provide defense and turn Amare Stoudemire into a freak of nature. The second happened, and the Suns actually played well.

How They Got to the Dance: By closing out the season 15-5. Bear in mind that this was immediately after the pro-Shaq trade folks had jumped off the bandwagon and well after the haters had gotten their public laughs in. Which is why their matchup against the Spurs seemed like the greatest first round set of all time. The Suns were better down the stretch than we will remember, folks.

How They Got Bounced: An inability to hold a lead and horrible play down the stretch of very winnable games. Nothing more, nothing less, although those certainly are pretty important qualities for basketball teams looking to win big games. Tim Duncan hitting his first three pointer of the season didn't help matters much either.

Can't Blame This Guy: Shaquille O'Neal. What? He did what he was supposed to do and more. If you're going to place blame, it has to, unfortunately, fall on Steve Nash (end of game anti-heroics), Amare Stoudemire (63% from the line, sub 50% from the field for the game) or maybe Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa for taking so long to wake up.

Summer Vacation Plans: It smells like an atomic bomb brewing. Which, in the morning, just smells terrific. (Or some sort of bad A-Now reference.) Mike D'Antoni seems gone, to me. Why stay if Steve Kerr is making your job miserable? Shaq and Amare aren't going anywhere, for absolutely different reasons. Nash, well, he could go, but it seems difficult to find a match in a trade that would make him work, unless Kerr shipped he and D'Antoni to Toronto for T.J. Ford and Jamario Moon. The point being there are serious changes coming. The dream isn't dead though, it's just moving zip codes.

Look at the Losers: Phoenix Suns originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 02 May 2008 23:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Mike D'Antoni Might-Get-Fired Saga Will Drag on Into the Weekend

Will Brinson — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, Western, NBA Gossip, NBA Rumors, Phoenix

If that headline seems negative, it's only because I think that if Steve Kerr doesn't plan on keeping Mike D'Antoni as head coach of the Phoenix Suns -- and that's t he way I'm leaning right now -- then why lead him on? On the other hand, he's already gotten D'Antoni to wave his hand and claim the Shaquille O'Neal trade, so with the Daddy on the hook for another $20 million next year, maybe he wants a scapegoat.

Or maybe Steve Kerr isn't evil and I'm just being paranoid. But he's admitted -- and it's obvious -- that he and D'Antoni have significantly different philosophical approaches to winning in the NBA. Which may be why the two of them and Managing Partner Robert Sarver are having a little get-together this weekend. Of course, before they sit down and talk, they had to clear up the rampant rumors that D'Antoni was already out in Phoenix.

'There's no truth to that,' Kerr said. 'I asked Mike when the story came out, and he denied it. Mike's our coach and has done a great job for four years.'

Kerr, D'Antoni and Sarver will meet by the weekend after taking some time for emotional separation from Tuesday's first-round playoff elimination at San Antonio. 'We'll make a decision, and hopefully we go on and get this team over the top,' said D'Antoni, who has guided the winningest four-year run in team history.

Asked if he wanted to return as Phoenix's coach, D'Antoni evaded the question, saying, 'We'll sit down and talk and evaluate everything and see where we are.'

There's the other twist. Maybe D'Antoni wants out. Would it be that shocking to see an architect walk away from a project early because the guy in charge of buying supplies decided to go a different direction? Of course not.

D'Antoni surely abhors the thought of leaving Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire, but he also might know that this team is not going to win a title stuck somewhere in the middle of where they were and the seemingly defensive direction that they are headed with the addition of Shaq.

Not to mention that Bryan Colangelo has already built "Phoenix East" in Toronto, and there's a blossoming young squad led by Jose Calderon that doesn't seem to have much of a need for Sam Mitchell anymore. All of that is conjecture, of course, but if Kerr is so adamantly against D'Antoni's philosophy that he's willing to trade Marion for Shaq, you have to at least think this could be more than just an evaluation.

The Mike D'Antoni Might-Get-Fired Saga Will Drag on Into the Weekend originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 01 May 2008 18:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jack McCallum, Wrong About D'Antoni? Pssh

Tom Ziller — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, NBA Gossip, NBA Rumors, Phoenix

There has been a current of pushback against Jack McCallum's SI blockbluster today, with Steve Kerr offering up statements like "There's no truth to that" when asked about Mike D'Antoni's impending departure. Kerr (and local beat writers) want to make it seem like McCallum's story is errant, like it's a Peter Vescey invention.

But isn't the identity of McCallum's source plainly obvious? Everyone's read Seven Seconds or Less (McCallum's seminal work on the D'Antoni Suns). Everyone remembers how D'Antoni was portrayed. The level of access afforded to McCallum by the coaching staff and management (at the time, led by Bryan Colangelo) was unmatched. The Suns made McCallum an assistant coach for the preseason, for goodness sake! D'Antoni liked McCallum, McCallum liked D'Antoni. If you've read the book, you understand that.

McCallum publishes a story about the old regime (D'Antoni) wanting out of Phoenix because of disputes with the new regime (Kerr) hours after the Suns are eliminated. You don't need to be Woodward and Bernstein to figure out D'Antoni (or someone very close to him, like say his assistant coach brother) is the guy in McCallum's ear. Kerr can deny all he wants, but I would drop dead of shock* if McCallum somehow screwed this one up.

* I can't actually promise I will drop dead. That might be messy. Sorry.

Jack McCallum, Wrong About D'Antoni? Pssh originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eclipse Fallout: D'Antoni to Leave Phoenix?

Matt Moore — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:20:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, Western, NBA Rumors, Phoenix

There was rampant discussion before Game 5 that if the Suns were to lose to the Spurs, again, in such a humiliating fashion, that head coach Mike D'Antoni would have to pay the price.

Well the Suns lost, again, to the Spurs, again, 92-87, and were eliminated from postseason play by San Antonio for the third time in four years. And according to Sports Illustrated's Jack McCallum, D'Antoni is indeed headed out of the desert.

D'Antoni, the 2005 NBA Coach of the Year, feels he does not have the support of upper management, namely General Manager Steve Kerr, and that the situation is "irredeemable."'

After the Shaquille O'Neal trade, which clearly indicated a severe shift in philosophies from the run and gun style of D'Antoni's earlier Phoenix teams to a more conservative, half-court, defense-minded (in theory at least) squad, there were rampant rumors of a rift between coach and GM. Some time after the trade, the Suns held a press conference and stated that the Shaq trade was D'Antoni's idea. Which seems odd, considering it was the exact opposite of every tenet D'Antoni held as his coaching philosophy. Either way, D'Antoni was set up as the fall guy in this scenario, and with another disappointing end to the season in Phoenix, it looks like he'll be going through with that role.

Some suggestions bandied about for D'Antoni include Chicago, New York, and even Toronto, which may be considering 2007 NBA Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell.

Jeez, between D'Antoni (2005), Avery Johnson (2006), and Mitchell (2007), Coach of the Year is certainly turning into a death kiss. Watch your back, Byron.

Eclipse Fallout: D'Antoni to Leave Phoenix? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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